Flora

In the past month my little wonderful two year-old has been more two than wonderful. Having a new little sister arrive has undoubtedly been influencing some of his behaviors, but I also think he has just hit a stage of development were he has a deep need for lots of large motor movement. After I had a couple rough days in a row with him, I spent an evening trying to “get curious, not furious” (as a mentor of mine, John Sommers-Flannagan, once said).

I do this often with my son when I feel like we have come to a “stuck” place in our relationship (or in my parenting). It’s about reflecting and trying to think through what common factors seems to be related to the troubled situations, and what I haven’t tried yet. In this case, I started realizing that my son’s challenging behavior was coming on the heels of 1 week sick (& stuck in the house sitting on the couch a lot), and another week of rain (again stuck in the house a lot).

So, we decided to have as much outside and large motor movement activities as possible for the next few days to see if it impacted his behavior. It did!

We took an afternoon to throw rocks in the river, search for bugs, and chase dogs that were nearby. It was a blast! AND, he was his best version of himself that afternoon and evening. So… this was a great reminder for me that kids this age NEED lots of time to move. We will be continuing to make room for as much outside time as possible!

In March we welcomed baby #2 into our family. Little Eva has already stolen our hearts. She came into this world at 1pm on a Saturday – giving Dad a full weekend to enjoy her before he had to go back to work. Thank you Eva!

Life with a 2 year-old and 2 month-old is quite a whirl wind of exhaustion, patience-testing, and joy….all at the same time. The first month was particularly challenging as I faced those days and nights that feel like they will never end. I called my brother and sister crying, begging for some magical secret on how to get my newborn to sleep. I was T-I-R-E-D!

At 2 months of age, she is now waking up only 2 times a night (on average), and has had a few nights of sleeping 6 hours or more in a row. Those nights are much appreciated by mama. Keep it up Eva.;-)

As for the 2 year old. Well….. we have seen better days. He is definitely beginning to show the signs of jealousy that he has to share his mom and dad with this new little person. Outwardly, he couldn’t be sweeter with Eva. He wants to hug and kiss her every chance he gets. Inwardly, though, he is obviously struggling because his behaviors have really turned very challenging. It feels like he is pushing every boundary that is set – again and again and again x 2,000. Trying to use all my Positive Discipline tools while exhausted from sleep deprivation is not always pretty. I must admit, I have had my most challenging moments in parenting yet. I have said things I am NOT proud of, and disciplined WITHOUT kindness.

Why am I sharing that? Well, I am betting that a lot of parents can related. In my parent coaching, I have always told parents that it is our job to try to be “good enough” parents – not perfect parents. I have defined that by saying “If you are remembering 20% of the parenting tips you have learned 80% of the time…you are doing great”. Well, now I have to swallow my own medicine and forgive myself for the 20% mess-up moments. I have been living them lately BIG time. But I do believe in the idea that mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn. So, here’s to a lot more learning!:-)

Author: FLORA

I am a post-career SAHM (Stay-at-home mom), living in Bozeman Montana. I share stories and ideas from parenting with a Montessori and Positive Discipline inspired perspective. Also, I LOVE DIY projects and finding great ways to use thrift store or hand-made toys for my little ones.Learn more about why I say I'm "Just" a stay-at-home mom.